The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday said it had taken initial steps to review requests to approve the final permit to finish the controversial Dakota Access pipeline, which has been the focus of protests for months. The move does not mean easement to the tunnel under the Missouri River - the last remaining stretch of the pipeline in North Dakota to be built - has been granted. On Tuesday, two North Dakota politicians said they had been told by army officials that the project would be completed. Energy Transfer Partners LP's Dakota Access pipeline stretches for 1,885 kilometres from North Dakota's oil-producing Bakken region to Patoka, Illinois. Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II last week said he has requested a meeting with Trump, but has not received a response.

Source: CBC News February 01, 2017 16:23 UTC